Boston Honors Indigenous Peoples’ Day with Citywide Call to Reflect and Celebrate
Written by b87fm on 10/10/2025
Boston is once again observing Indigenous Peoples’ Day on the second Monday of October, a tradition established through an Executive Order signed by then-Acting Mayor Kim Janey on October 6, 2021.
This week, the Boston City Council reaffirmed that commitment, passing a resolution that honors the Indigenous Peoples of the Americas and encourages the entire city to reflect, recognize, and celebrate.
The resolution acknowledges that Boston stands on the traditional territory of the Massachusett at Ponkapoag Tribe, whose people have lived on and cared for this land for countless generations. It also recognizes the rich, diverse histories and cultures of Indigenous Peoples, while confronting the devastating legacy of European American policies—including those in Boston—that sought to suppress those communities.
Today, Boston is home to an estimated 11,000 Indigenous people from across the United States and Canada, including members of the Massachusett, Wampanoag, and Nipmuc Nations, as well as Indigenous residents from Latin America.
The Council’s resolution urges all Bostonians to honor Indigenous Peoples’ Day not only as a holiday, but as a moment of acknowledgment and accountability. It calls on residents to reflect on the city’s history, recognize the continued presence and resilience of Indigenous communities, and uplift their ongoing cultural and social contributions.
“This day isn’t just about looking back—it’s about understanding how Indigenous Peoples continue to shape Boston’s story,” the Council emphasized.
